Former President Joe Biden looked lost and slurred through his remarks at a Chicago lawyers’ gala Thursday night — months after the 82-year-old revealed he was battling aggressive prostate cancer.
The white-haired, wide-eyed Biden received a standing ovation as he slowly stepped on stage at the 100th annual awards gala for the National Bar Association — the oldest and largest network of predominently black lawyers or judges in the US.
Flanked by two of his granddaughters, the former president gingerly crossed the stage and shook hands with the emcee before turning around and trying to locate his seat, video shows.
Biden was directed back to his place by others on the dais and slowly slouched into his chair before flashing a smile and pointing finger guns at the crowd.
Later in the evening, Biden stumbled over his words at several different points during his 20-minute remarks, in which he accused the Trump administraiton of waging an “existential” fight with minority communities and touted his civil rights record.
“These are dark days, but you’re all here for the same reason I left that prestigious law firm to go to the defender’s office years ago,” he said. “It’s because our future is literally on the line and we must be unapologetic of fighting for the future.”
Biden also joked about his age in lighter moments.
“When I was elected [in 1972], I had the dubious distinction to be elected the youngest senator in American history and the oldest president in American history. It’s hell turning 40 twice,” he quipped to chuckles.
Biden has largely shied away from public appearances since departing the White House in January after foregoing a second bid for the presidency due to his evident mental and physical decline.
His vice president, Kamala Harris, was defeated by President Trump in a landslide.
In May, Biden revealed that he was suffering from an advanced case of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.
The 46th commander in chief was presented Thursday with the National Bar Association’s C. Francis Stradford Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.
Biden was part of a speaking program that included far-left Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, former MSNBC pundit Joy-Ann Reid and New York state Attorney General Letitia James.
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